Tech's Hawkins granted 6th year

Never mind his shoulder. Never mind his leg. Six years after he came to Texas Tech in 1996, Tech linebacker Jonathan Hawkins is ready to give it another shot.

The 23-year-old senior from Wichita Falls was recently granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA and is likely to be listed as a first-team linebacker this spring, Tech linebackers coach Ruffin McNeill said.

Hawkins suffered a broken left fibula in a 38-16 win against Utah State Sept. 2. He didn't play the rest of the season, making him eligible for sixth year of eligibility under NCAA medical hardship rules.

After the season, Tech applied for an extra year of eligibility for Hawkins and senior running back Rickey Hunter. Hunter was denied a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA because he redshirted without injury in 1996. Hawkins redshirted with shoulder problems during the same year.

"To get a sixth year of eligibility, the NCAA's stance is you have to show at least two years of incapacitating injuries that prevented you from participating," said Shane Lyons, Tech's director of NCAA compliance. "In Hawkins' case, he showed he had a shoulder problems and could not participate his freshman year because of that."

Hawkins was a top backup at linebacker last year and is expected to enter spring drills March 19 with full health in his leg and shoulders. Junior middle linebacker Lawrence Flugence is the only returning starter at Tech's three linebacker spots.

"Jonathan's going to contend for a starting position," McNeill said. "All of them have to earn it, but he's going to be at the top. I think he'll do a good job of maintaining it."

Hawkins registered eight tackles before his injury. He finished eighth on the team with 66 tackles in 1999. A former fullback, Hawkins has undergone two shoulder surgeries since his arrival at Tech in 1996.

Hawkins could not immediately be reached for comment.

Tech opens 15 spring practices March 19. Practices will run Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays through the spring game on April 14.

Brent Schrotenboer can be reached at 766-8733 or at bschrotenboer@lubbockonline.com